Microsoft extends disaster relief tech help

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Microsoft developed an online database for survivors to exchange information about their whereabouts with family and friends. The company collaborated with the Red Cross and the San Diego SuperComputer Center to build Katrinasafe.org, which was used by some 340,000 people.

In the year since, Microsoft has refined the database tool and made it available to assist with communication during future disasters. Safe and Well can be reached through disastersafe.redcross.org.

The Red Cross has since outlined three main areas of technology investment to prepare for future disasters. These include creating a call-center with capacity to handle 100,000 emergency cases a day for up to 20 days and stationing communications technologies such as satellite equipment in 21 cities.

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Welcome to Microsoft Pri0: That's Microspeak for top priority, and that's the news and observations you'll find here from Seattle Times technology reporter Matt Day. Send tips or comments to mday@seattletimes.com.